Suffolk News-Herald

Gloria J. Coker is the featured artist for the 18th Annual Art Show & Sale scheduled Jan. 31 – Feb. 7 at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. The opening reception will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and at that time there will be live music and refreshments.

The show will be located in the Lower School Building at 3373 Pruden Blvd., and will include 134 artists, many who are returning from last year, and many who are new to the show.

Darlene Keyt, special events coordinator, said this show is a community event and will be one of the best that they have ever had.

&uot;Gloria Coker is the drawing card and the show will include a large selection of art with over 1,000 pieces which will range in prices from $20 to $8,000,&uot; said Keyt. &uot;This means there will be something for everyone,&uot; This is also an educational event for our students. The teacher incorporates the art into their lesson plans and the children used it in math, English skills and with other various subjects throughout the week of the show.&uot;

Coker is a Connecticut native and has been residing in the South since 1965. She has devoted her career to art since earning a Master’s degree in counseling and guidance from The College of William and Mary. She has worked primarily in watercolor, but her portfolio is now stocked with oils and acrylics.

Her work is noted by vivid, loose brushstrokes that capture the movement and joy of her subjects, ranging from people (portraits, dancers, musicians of all types) to street scenes and other images of everyday life.

Her works have been said to have the snap of a clean shower … her strength is her originality and refreshing individuality.

The remaining schedule is as follows: from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1; from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 2 -6; and from 9 a. m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

&uot;This show is like the premier indoor shows east of Richmond. If you attend any of these shows, it will be a great way to spend the day,&uot; said Keyt.

For more information contact Keyt at 539-8789 ext. 3333 or e-mail: dkeyt@nsa.pvt.k12.va.us.